2022-05-09 | NYSE: AOS | Press release

MILWAUKEE, May 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a leader in heating and water treatment solutions, announces Jim SternExecutive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, as the new Chairman of the Water Quality Association (WQA). Stern will help the association grow through its new strategic plan, which includes advancing the knowledge and professionalism of industry participants, increasing awareness and raising public awareness.

“I can think of no industry or member more ready to have a major impact on public health and safety than the water treatment industry and the WQA,” Stern said. “We can work together on public awareness, product standards, certifications and monitoring of bad practices to further the cause of the industry. We all have a similar goal: we want to make water better for people. people.”

In 2010, Stern played a key role in helping AO Smith enter the water treatment industry. Since 2016, he has led the acquisitions of six North American water treatment companies, including Aquasana, Water-Right, Hague Quality Water and Master Water Conditioning Corp, all of which manufacture and distribute water treatment products to the point of use and point of entry. .

“Under Jim Stern’s leadership, these acquisitions have helped AO Smith grow from a business focused primarily on water heating into a global water technology company,” said Kevin Wheeler, Chairman, President and CEO of AO Smith. “Our involvement with WQA has given us the opportunity to influence and educate the industry and learn more about this ever-changing market.”

Stern earned his BA from Notre Dame University and a law degree Northwestern University Law School. He also completed the advanced management program at the Harvard Business School and currently serves on the board of Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI), Stern served four years on the WQA board, including two years on the board of governors.

About A. O. Smith

AO Smith Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin., is a global leader that applies innovative technologies and energy efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.